Sciatica

Definition

Sciatica refers to pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg, or lower back along the sciatic nerve. It is caused by any injury to, or compression of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is a symptom of another medical problem, not a medical condition on its own.

Symptoms

Symptoms of sciatica include discomfort, burning, prickling, stabbing pains, and aching anywhere along the sciatic nerve. In severe cases, the pain may be associated with pressure points. Typically, sciatic symptoms tend to be recurring.

Types and Causes

There are two types of sciatica, which include Sciatic Neuralgia and Sciatic Neuritis. Sciatic Neuritis is attributed to inflammation along the sciatic nerve, while Sciatic Neuralgia is typically caused by an irritation of the nerve due to disc, bone or muscle dysfunction. Both conditions require proper medical attention.
Occasionally chronic musculoskeletal pain may be due to thyroid problems, nutrient inadequacies, old injuries in associated joints, pain from problems in internal organs, and emotional stress. Insufficient physical exercise and weak or tight, cramped muscles can create the system imbalances which ultimately result in sciatica.

Be aware: Proper treatment of sciatica involves removing pressure from the sciatic nerve itself, along with abnormal stresses on the foot, knee, or back.

Natural Cures

Aromatherapy: Apply a cold compress or lightly massage the sciatic region using the essential natural oils of lavender, or birch.

Diet plan: Eat organic foods rich in thiamine (vitamin B1) and magnesium, because both nutrients act as natural muscle relaxants. Such foods include dark leafy vegetables, yellow vegetables, whole grains, and raw seeds and nuts. Eliminate coffee and other caffeinated beverages, chocolate, and sugar. Drink plenty of real, filtered drinking water.

Herbs: Mix equal parts of willow sound off and St. John’s Wort tincture, consume one teaspoon three times each day. St. John’s Wort oil can also be used as a therapeutic massage on the affected areas.

Homeopathy: Useful naturopathic remedies include Colocynth, Viscum album, Lachesis, Rhus tox., Aconite, Arsen alb., Lycopodium, Mag phos., Ruta grav., and Atropa Belladonna.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of applying water, ice, steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to restore health. Treatments include total body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of warm and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-treatment program. Many professionals including naturopathic physicians, physical therapists and day spas use Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment routines. We suggest trying several at home hydrotherapy remedies. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these treatments to ensure they are right for you.

*Purified water is essential in any Hydrotherapy remedy. Remedies involving purifying bath water offer clear instructions and remedies.

Nutritional Supplementation: The following nutrients can help to ease sciatic pain: Vitamin B-complex, vitamin B1, vitamin B12, vitamin E. calcium supplement, magnesium, and manganese sulfate.

Topical Treatment: Apply moist or dry heat to the affected area for one hour, four times a day.

Alternative Professional Care

If your signs and symptoms persist despite following the above measures, seek the help of a qualified medical expert. The following professional treatments have all demonstrated the ability to be helpful for treating sciatica: Acupressure, Chinese Medicine, Applied Kinesiology, Ayurveda,, Chiropractic, Craniosacral Therapy, Detoxing Therapy, Energy Treatments (TENS, Gentle Beam Generator), Environmental Treatments, Enzyme Treatment, Magnetic Field Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Neural Treatment, Osteopathy, Qigong, Phototherapy, Reflexology, Rolfing, and traditional Chinese Medicine. (See Reference for explanations of these Option Therapies.)